GUWAHATI, Sept 18 � The Asian Heart Institute is likely to partner the State Government to offer better post operative rehabilitation to heart patients in Assam. Plans are already under way, and discussions with the Chief Minister and Health Minister would result in tangible developments in the days ahead.
This was revealed by Dr Ramakanta Panda during an exclusive interview to this newspaper today, following a press conference here.
"We are interested to offer this service in Assam�and also want to develop an exchange programme involving doctors from AHI and hospitals in Assam," he remarked.
He mentioned that in due course doctors from his institute may visit the Gauhati Medical College to help augment existing knowledge and skills.
Asked about his advice to doctors, he pinpointed three qualities that any good doctor should possess. "First they should be good human beings, they should have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge, and they must possess empathy for patients in abundance," he noted.
According to him, a good doctor needs to have a rapport with his patients, as it makes the patient confident.
The senior surgeon usually works from eight or nine in the morning to midnight or beyond, and meets his patients during a round every Sunday. However, from time to time he takes off to spend time with his family. "That is important too..." he quipped.
A doctor trained under the eminent surgeon Dr Floyd Loop in Cleveland, US, Dr Panda revealed his mother and school headmaster as the two other biggest influences in his life.
